Golf’s Australian Open cancelled for first time in 75 years

SYDNEY: Australia’s three biggest golf tournaments fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic Friday in an “unprecedented blow” to the sport.

The men’s and women’s Australian Open and the PGA Championship, all due to be played in February, will now no longer take place.

It will be the first time since 1945 that the men’s Open, won previously by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Rory McIlroy, will not tee off.

“It’s unprecedented and a real blow for Australian golf and its fans,” said PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman after what he called “months of exhaustive consultations”.

Australia has closed its international borders to most travellers as part of its effort to suppress the coronavirus pandemic, and even people…